Grand Junction, Colorado – Mountain travel across western Colorado could become impossible within minutes as wind gusts up to 65 mph whip heavy snow across high-elevation roads through 5 a.m. Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Junction, Winter Storm Warnings remain in effect for much of the central and southern Colorado mountains, including the San Juans, Elkhead and Park Mountains, Flat Tops, Gore and Elk Mountains, and the Uncompahgre Plateau above 7,000 feet. Additional snowfall will range from 1 to 8 inches depending on elevation, with the heaviest totals expected in the Elk, Sawatch and San Juan ranges. Winds will gust between 45 and 65 mph, strongest along exposed ridges and mountain passes.
Red Mountain Pass, Lizard Head Pass, Monarch Pass and Vail Pass face the highest risk of near-zero visibility from blowing snow. Aspen, Snowmass, Telluride, Silverton and Crested Butte could see rapidly deteriorating road conditions after sunset as drifting intensifies. On the Uncompahgre Plateau and Dallas Divide, 60 mph gusts may create sudden whiteouts.
Drivers should avoid non-essential travel and check Colorado 511 for closures and traction laws. Keep food, water, warm clothing and a flashlight in your vehicle. Warnings remain in effect statewide across the high country until 5 a.m. Thursday, and additional advisories could follow if winds remain strong.
